Replacement Vehicle Registration Numbers

In a previous blog post we covered how to retain a personalised number plate. It prompted a number of questions regarding replacement registration numbers. Some people were asking; do I have to buy a replacement registration number from the DVLA?

When you apply to retain your personalised registration, the DVLA will automatically issue a replacement registration for your vehicle. It is generally an age-related plate and is non-transferable.

The best way to explain the procedure is to use an example. I own a VW Touran which has the personalised plates JDR 6. If I apply to transfer or retain JDR 6, the DVLA will issue an appropriate replacement registration for the VW Touran as part of the process.

As the vehicle was first registered in June 2006, the DVLA would issue a ’56’ registration as a replacement. It is highly likely that the Touran would be reunited with its original registration; FL56 XOY. There are no additional fees to pay to the DVLA for your replacement registration.

After your application has been dealt with you will receive a new V5C Registration Certificate (log book) showing the allocated registration. You can use the V5C Registration Certificate as proof of entitlement when you buy a set of replacement number plates for your vehicle. You should contact your motor insurer, tracker provider & recovery agent (AA/RAC/Green Flag) to notify them of the vehicle’s new registration mark.

I hope this clears up any confusion surrounding replacement registration numbers when applying to retain or transfer a personalised number plate.